Bernette Bernice Steffenhagen

Bernette Bernice Steffenhagen, age 95, passed away peacefully in the Aspirus Merrill Emergency Room with family by her side on July 15, 2026. She was born February 21, 1931 to the late Erna (Waldo) and Bernard Barkow in Athens, Wi. She graduated from Athens High School. Bernette was married to Alvin Steffenhagen on September 1, 1956 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens.

Bernette retired from Wausau Insurance Company in 1992 from the supervisory position which she held for 42 years. She was a member of the Wausau Insurance Retired Women’s Club and Wausau Insurance Quarter Century Club. During her retirement she was an election poll worker for the town of Berlin for 19 years. She is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church Merrill, Wi.

Prior to moving to Pinecrest she enjoyed going to polka dances, going out to eat, and going on road trips with her husband and friends. Bernette enjoyed embroidering, doing crafts, baking and cooking for her family, putting puzzles together, and doing word search books. Bernette meticulously manicured her lawn and was very proud of her yard and home. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Bernette is survived by her daughter, Dawn Teske of Merrill; grandsons, Josh (Casi) Teske of Rib Mountain, Tyler Teske of Merrill; great-granddaughters, Brooklyn and Brianne Teske. She is also survived by her brother, Dale (Rosie) Barkow of Athens and brother-in-law, Lowell (Marie) Steffenhagen of Merrill, along with many other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Alvin; her parents, brother, Marvin Barkow, Sister in-law Evelyn Barkow and son-in-law, David Teske.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 27, 2026 from 9am-11am at Trinity Lutheran Church Merrill. Service to follow at 11am with Rev. Jonathan Chapa officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service at St. Paul’s Cemetery, Naugart.

The family would like to thank the staff at Pinecrest Nursing Home for their exceptional care that they provided for Bernette for the past year and one-half. A special thank you to Olivia Barker, a CNA at Pinecrest, whom she formed a special bond with. Also Thank You to the Paramedics and the staff at Aspirus Merrill Hospital.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, Merrill, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com